Abstract: The tragic behavior between the old boatman and Oedipus is very much alike in terms of their fight against fate and the undeserved result concerning their pursuit.This shows that The Bordering Town has possessed the basic element of tragedy and it is justified to say that it is a tragic one.Their differences can be seen in several aspects:while the former has a touch of slight fear,with the old boatman being a negative victim,the later can cause the readers’ shocking fear and strong sympathy.These two books are tragedies of kindness and fate,with a sense of foreordination filled in them.In King Oedipus,tragedy is largely hued,while in The Bordering Town,tragedy is understated.They all present a conflicting attitude toward fate:on the one hand,they all believe in fate and the overwhelming power of it,on the other hand,they attach great importance to strong perseverance and active behavior.These two books,with greatly different background,again prove that the writers’ contradictive contemplation on fate and human behavior has never come to an end.

Key words: The Bordering Town, King Oedipus, tragedy element